A new option for people with mobility disabilities to explore some of Minnesota’s state parks went live this week. As of Thursday, visitors with physical challenges can use an off-road, all-terrain track chair or an adaptive beach chair at five state parks, including Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea. The chairs are free to … Read more
(FOX 9) – A large fire badly damaged a building at Fort Snelling just norht of Albert Lea on Thursday afternoon. The fire was sparked at one of the old officers’ buildings that is being converted to veteran and low-income housing at the abandoned Upper Post at Fort Snelling. Crews will work to rebuild the … Read more
ALBERT LEA, Minn. – A teen fugitive pleaded not guilty to an Albert Lea shooting. Javen Juan Moreno, 19 of Albert Lea, is charged with assault and having a firearm as a violent felon, stemming from a May 1 incident in which witnesses say Moreno shot the victim duing an argument and then fled the … Read more
(ABC 6 News) – A children’s group home in Austin was investigated for suspected abuse after a reported incident in January. The Minnesota Department of Human Services recieved a report on January 15 about a 12-year-old being severely injured during a physical interaction with staff at Nexus Gerard Family Healing. Authorities said the child had … Read more
MANKATO, Minn. – A southern Minnesota man arrested in an undercover drug bust just days after Thanksgiving last year has copped a plea. Michael Allen Smith, 38 of Mapleton, just NW of Albert Lea, pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree drug possession, stemming from an investigaton that led police to searach his home where agents confiscated … Read more
Memorial Day storms hit the area putting a damper on outdoor plans. Damage reports are starting to come in after a line of severe storms brought high winds and tornadoes to Minnesota Monday. Wind gusts of up to 90 mph were reported in parts of the state, and there was also confirmation of twisters in … Read more
MASON CITY – A shooting at a Mason City campground just south of Albert Lea over the Memorial weekend is being investigated. The Mason City Police Department says officers responded to reports of gunfire Friday night at the MacNider [long I] Campgrounds on Birch Drive and found one person with a gunshot wound. Police were … Read more
AUSTIN, Minn. – A trial date has been set for an Austin woman caught with over 200 grams of methamphetamine. Lori Beth Luna, 31 was arrested earlier this month [May 5], following an investigation and search of a home on 6th Avenue SE. Her trial is scheduled to start on October 24. She remains in … Read more
A concerned citizen is being credited with leading police to a burglary suspect Thursday. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report Thursday from a caller saying they saw a man matching the description and driving a stolen UTV used in a breakin at a rural Thompson, Iowa residence the day before. Winnebago County … Read more
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Great Dane Rescue of Minnesota and Wisconsin says it’s helping eight Great Danes recover after most were found starving. The animals were seized from a minivan in western Minnesota Monday night. While two of the breeding females were adequately fed, the rest of the dogs were malnouarished and struggling to survive. … Read more